Ficus carica L. and Prunus spinosa L. extracts as new anthocyanin-based food colorants: A thorough study in confectionery products.

The present work describes the evaluation of fig peels and blackthorn fruit extracts as natural purple colorants in doughnuts (icing) and in a typical Brazilian pastry called "beijinho". The extracts were screened for their antioxidant activity as well as their antibacterial capacity. Nutritionally, the employed extracts did not induce significant changes, contrarily to the observed for the rheological features, mainly the darker purple tone observed when blackthorn extract was used in the icing solution. After 24 h, both prepared formulations showed a decrease in color intensity, with no significant differences between fig and blackthorn extracts. In turn, the firmness and consistency of the doughnuts benefited from using natural colorants in the icing solution, while "beijinhos" became softer and chewier, which are valued attributes. A significant increase in the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities was also observed for both natural extracts. Accordingly, the evaluated extracts are promising candidates as natural food colorants.

Antioxidant Content of Frozen, Convective Air-Dried, Freeze-Dried, and Swell-Dried Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana L.).

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.) is rich in bioactive molecules as phenolics, which can act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, among others; however, due to its high perishability, most of this fruit is wasted. Freezing and sun drying have been the most adopted techniques to avoid its postharvest deterioration. Nevertheless, both processes have presented some drawbacks as high storage costs and losses of bioactive molecules. Therefore, to preserve these molecules, this study compared the impact of convective airflow drying (CAD), freezing (FR), freeze drying (FD), and swell drying (SD). Total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), kuromanin concentration (KC), and antioxidant activity (antiradical activity (ARA) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay (TEAC)) of chokecherries were measured. "Swell drying" is a drying process coupling convective airflow drying to the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) expansion. A central composite rotatable design was applied to optimize the DIC variables and responses. Results showed that both freezing and swell drying effectively preserve the TPC, TFC, KC, and ARA. Moreover, SD samples also presented the highest TEAC. Contrary, in the case of CAD, it caused the highest losses of both antioxidant content and activity. Swell drying remedies the shrinkage and collapsing of dried food structure, which results in a better antioxidants extraction.

Formulation of mayonnaises containing PUFAs by the addition of microencapsulated chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and baru oils.

There is an increasing demand for healthier foodstuff containing specific compounds such as Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs). In the case of PUFAs, protection against oxidative degradation is challengeable and microencapsulation emerges as an alternative. Mayonnaises containing microencapsulated oils could be a source of PUFAs. The objective was to formulate mayonnaises containing microencapsulated chia seeds oil, pumpkin seeds oil or baru oil. Micrometric particles with high encapsulation efficiency were produced and thermal analyses indicated an increased thermal stability of all oils after encapsulation. Rheology studies highlighted an increase in the mayonnaise viscosity when microparticles containing chia and pumpkin seeds oil were added. Mechanical texture was not affected by the presence of microparticles in the mayonnaise in all formulations tested. Nevertheless, samples containing microcapsules up to 5%wt were not distinguished from the base-mayonnaise in the sensorial test. Overall, enriched mayonnaises were successfully produced and encapsulation was efficient in protecting oils from oxidation.

Efeito do raleio manual em frutos de ameixeira japonesa (Prunus salicina Lind) sobre algumas qualidades / Effect of manual thinning on japanese plum fruits (Prunus salicina Lind) on some qualities

A fruticultura de clima temperado possui grande potencial para desenvolvimento no Brasil, o uso de produtos químicos cada vez mais aumenta nos dias atuais podendo se tonar um problema se utilizados de forma errada, por isto a utilização de outras formas de realização de tratos culturais como é o caso do raleio manual em frutos apresenta-se como uma alternativa para pequenas áreas produtoras. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as datas de início e final dos ciclos de florescimento e frutificação e algumas e qualidades físicas e químicas em frutos de ameixeira japonesa (Prunus salicina Lind) assim como a influência do raleio manual nestas qualidades nos frutos obtidos de diferentes acessos de ameixa produzidos pelo IAPAR. O experimento foi realizado na cidade de Ponta Grossa-PR no Polo Regional de Pesquisas do IAPAR. O experimento foi realizado em esquema fatorial 7x2, composto de sete acessos de ameixeira japonesa (Prunus salicina Lind) e dois tratamentos com realização do raleio manual nos frutos e sem realização do raleio manual e seis repetições. As análises realizadas foram data de início e final do florescimento e início e final frutificação, após a maturação os frutos foram colhidos e analisados as características de diâmetro dos frutos, massa dos frutos, massa do caroço massa da polpa dos frutos, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável e ratio. O raleio manual realizados nos frutos de ameixeira apresentou um acréscimo significativo nos valores do diâmetro dos frutos e na massa do frutos, massa do caroço e massa da polpa, este aumento ocorreu devido principalmente a retirada de frutos diminuindo a competição por seiva e fotoassimilados entre os frutos, entretanto os frutos não apresentaram variações nos resultados nas análises de sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável e ratio mostrando que mesmo com a realização deste trato cultura não afetou estas características, com isso é possível concluir que os...

Temperate fruit growing has great potential for development in Brazil, the use of chemical products is increasing more and more in the present day, being a problem if used in a wrong way, therefore the use of other forms of cultural the case of manual thinning in fruits presents itself as an alternative to small producing areas. The objective of this work was to analyze the start and end dates of flowering and fruiting cycles and some physical and chemical qualities of Japanese plum fruits (Prunus salicina Lind) as well as the influence of manual thinning on these qualities in fruits obtained from different accessions of plum produced by IAPAR. The experiment was carried out in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR at the Regional Research Center of IAPAR. The experiment was carried out in a 7x2 factorial scheme, composed of seven Japanese plum accesses (Prunus salicina Lind) and two treatments with manual thinning in the fruits and without manual thinning and six replications. The fruits were harvested and the characteristics of fruit diameter, fruit mass, seed mass, fruit pulp mass, total soluble solids, titrizable total acidity and ratio. The manual thinning performed on the plum fruits showed a significant increase in fruit diameter and fruit mass, stone mass and pulp mass. This increase was mainly due to the removal of fruits, reducing the competition for sap and photoassimilates between the fruits. However, the fruits did not show any variation in the results in the analyzes of total soluble solids, total acidity and titrable ratio, showing that even with the accomplishment of this tract culture did not affect these characteristics, with this it is possible to conclude that the accesses studied present a capacity of launching as new cultivars adapted to the climate of the city of Ponta Grossa-PR, and that the manual thinning in the fruits is an alternative to the realization of small areas bringing positive results in the physical qualities of the fruits.

Efeito do raleio manual em frutos de ameixeira japonesa (Prunus salicina Lind) sobre algumas qualidades / Effect of manual thinning on japanese plum fruits (Prunus salicina Lind) on some qualities

A fruticultura de clima temperado possui grande potencial para desenvolvimento no Brasil, o uso de produtos químicos cada vez mais aumenta nos dias atuais podendo se tonar um problema se utilizados de forma errada, por isto a utilização de outras formas de realização de tratos culturais como é o caso do raleio manual em frutos apresenta-se como uma alternativa para pequenas áreas produtoras. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as datas de início e final dos ciclos de florescimento e frutificação e algumas e qualidades físicas e químicas em frutos de ameixeira japonesa (Prunus salicina Lind) assim como a influência do raleio manual nestas qualidades nos frutos obtidos de diferentes acessos de ameixa produzidos pelo IAPAR. O experimento foi realizado na cidade de Ponta Grossa-PR no Polo Regional de Pesquisas do IAPAR. O experimento foi realizado em esquema fatorial 7x2, composto de sete acessos de ameixeira japonesa (Prunus salicina Lind) e dois tratamentos com realização do raleio manual nos frutos e sem realização do raleio manual e seis repetições. As análises realizadas foram data de início e final do florescimento e início e final frutificação, após a maturação os frutos foram colhidos e analisados as características de diâmetro dos frutos, massa dos frutos, massa do caroço massa da polpa dos frutos, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável e ratio. O raleio manual realizados nos frutos de ameixeira apresentou um acréscimo significativo nos valores do diâmetro dos frutos e na massa do frutos, massa do caroço e massa da polpa, este aumento ocorreu devido principalmente a retirada de frutos diminuindo a competição por seiva e fotoassimilados entre os frutos, entretanto os frutos não apresentaram variações nos resultados nas análises de sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável e ratio mostrando que mesmo com a realização deste trato cultura não afetou estas características, com isso é possível concluir que os...(AU)

Temperate fruit growing has great potential for development in Brazil, the use of chemical products is increasing more and more in the present day, being a problem if used in a wrong way, therefore the use of other forms of cultural the case of manual thinning in fruits presents itself as an alternative to small producing areas. The objective of this work was to analyze the start and end dates of flowering and fruiting cycles and some physical and chemical qualities of Japanese plum fruits (Prunus salicina Lind) as well as the influence of manual thinning on these qualities in fruits obtained from different accessions of plum produced by IAPAR. The experiment was carried out in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR at the Regional Research Center of IAPAR. The experiment was carried out in a 7x2 factorial scheme, composed of seven Japanese plum accesses (Prunus salicina Lind) and two treatments with manual thinning in the fruits and without manual thinning and six replications. The fruits were harvested and the characteristics of fruit diameter, fruit mass, seed mass, fruit pulp mass, total soluble solids, titrizable total acidity and ratio. The manual thinning performed on the plum fruits showed a significant increase in fruit diameter and fruit mass, stone mass and pulp mass. This increase was mainly due to the removal of fruits, reducing the competition for sap and photoassimilates between the fruits. However, the fruits did not show any variation in the results in the analyzes of total soluble solids, total acidity and titrable ratio, showing that even with the accomplishment of this tract culture did not affect these characteristics, with this it is possible to conclude that the accesses studied present a capacity of launching as new cultivars adapted to the climate of the city of Ponta Grossa-PR, and that the manual thinning in the fruits is an alternative to the realization of small areas bringing positive results in the physical qualities of the fruits.(AU)

Use of baru (Brazilian almond) waste from physical extraction of oil to produce gluten free cakes.

The extraction of oil from baru almonds produces a waste that carries part of their nutritional qualities and antioxidants. It can be used to produce partially deffated baru flour (PDBF). We aimed to evaluate the applicability of PDBF and the effect of the addition of xanthan gum (XG) to produce gluten free cakes. Cakes were prepared with 100% wheat flour (WF cake) and with 100% PDBF and four different levels of XG (0%-PDBF cake, 0.1%-X1, 0.2%-X2 and 0.3%-X3 cakes), and evaluated for composition, antioxidants, moisture, specific volume, texture and sensory acceptance. PDBF cakes showed lower carbohydrate values, but higher protein, lipids, calories and antioxidant contents. They were rich in fiber, as well as iron, zinc and copper. The replacement of WF by PDBF resulted in an increased hardness and adhesiveness and a decreased cohesiveness, elasticity and moisture. Chewiness of X2 cake was similar to that of WF cake. X2 and X3 cakes showed specific volume closer to that of WF cake. No difference was found among the treatments for texture and appearance acceptances. Flavor of X2 and X3 cakes were more accepted than WF cake. Acceptance of all cakes were in the liking region of hedonic scale. PBDF associated to XG is a feasible option to substitute WF in gluten free cake, improving its nutritional quality.

Compositional changes in cell wall polysaccharides from five sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars during on-tree ripening.

Excessive softening is a major cause of postharvest deterioration during transportation and storage of fresh cherries. In continuing our studies to identify the factors determining the textural differences between sweet cherry fruit genotypes, we evaluated the solubilization, depolymerization, and monosaccharide composition of pectin and hemicelluloses from five sweet cherry cultivars ('Chelan', 'Sumele', 'Brooks', 'Sunburst', and 'Regina') with contrasting firmness and cracking susceptibility at two developmental stages (immature and ripe). In contrast to what is usually shown in most fruits, cherry softening could occur is some cultivars without marked increases in water-soluble pectin. Although polyuronide and hemicellulose depolymerization was observed in the water-soluble and dilute-alkali-soluble fractions, only moderate association occurs between initial polymer size and cultivar firmness. In all the genotypes the Na2CO3-soluble polysaccharides (NSF) represented the most abundant and dynamic wall fraction during ripening. Firm cultivars showed upon ripening a lower neutral sugars/uronic acid ratio in the NSF, suggesting that they have a lower proportion of highly branched polyuronides. The similar molar ratios of arabinose plus galactose to rhamnose [(Ara+Gal)/Rha] suggest that the cultivars differed in their relative proportion of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) rather than in the size of the RG side chains; with greater proportions of HG in firmer cherries. Ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was useful to identify the depolymerization patterns of weakly bound pectins, but gave less accurate results on ionically bound pectins, and was unable to find any pattern on covalently bound pectins.

Baru almond improves lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects: a randomized, controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUD AND AIM: The usual consumption of nuts reduces cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk by improving serum lipids and oxidation status. Baru almonds (Dipteryxalata Vog.), a native species of Brazilian Savannah, have considerable contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), dietary fiber, vitamin E and zinc, which could exert positive effects in serum lipids and markers of oxidation. However, there is no study about the effect of their consumption on human health. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of baru almonds supplementation on lipid profile and oxidation of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized, crossover, placebo controlled study was performed with 20 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (total cholesterol (TC) mean ±SEM = 5.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L). The assay had 2 periods of 6 weeks each and a 4-week washout period between the treatments. Subjects were randomly allocated in alternated periods receiving the following treatments per period: supplementation with 20 g/day of baru almonds or placebo (1 corn starch capsule/day). Compared to placebo, supplementation of baru almonds reduced TC (-8.1 ± 2.4%, P = 0.007), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (-9.4 ± 2.4%, P = 0.006) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) (-8.1 ± 3.0%, P = 0.013). There were no significant changes on the oxidation biomarkers evaluated. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects with baru almonds improved serum lipid parameters, so that this food might be included in diets for reducing the CVD risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (website: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br). Register number: RBR-4zdy9p.

Comparison of QuEChERS sample preparation methods for the analysis of pesticide residues in canned and fresh peach.

Original, citrate and acetate QuEChERS methods were studied in order to evaluate the extraction efficiency and the matrix effect in the extraction of pesticides from canned peach samples. Determinations were performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The proposed method with extraction using the original QuEChERS method and determination by GC-MS was validated. LOQs ranged between 1 and 10 µg kg(-1) and all analytical curves showed r values higher than 0.99. Recovery values varied from 69% to 125% with RSDs less than 20%. The matrix effect was evaluated and most compounds showed signal enrichment. Robustness was demonstrated using fresh peaches, which provided recovery values within acceptable limits. The applicability of the method was verified and residues of tebuconazole and dimethoate were found in the samples.

Evaluation of seasonal antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in stems and leaves of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the seasonal changes of total antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in samples taken from leaves (April, July, October) and stems (April, July, October, January) of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties (Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas). RESULTS: It was indicated that antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in leaves and stems of Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas showed seasonal differences. Antioxidant activity IC50 of these varieties reached the highest value in April for leaves whereas in October for stems. The highest level of total phenolic compounds was in January for stems while in October for leaves. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that total antioxidant activity and phenolics in leaves and stems of almond varieties changed according to season and plant organ.

Pesticide residues in cashew apple, guava, kaki and peach: GC-µECD, GC-FPD and LC-MS/MS multiresidue method validation, analysis and cumulative acute risk assessment.

A multiresidue method for the determination of 46 pesticides in fruits was validated. Samples were extracted with acidified ethyl acetate, MgSO4 and CH3COONa and cleaned up by dispersive SPE with PSA. The compounds were analysed by GC-FPD, GC-µECD or LC-MS/MS, with LOQs from 1 to 8 µg/kg. The method was used to analyse 238 kaki, cashew apple, guava, and peach fruit and pulp samples, which were also analysed for dithiocarbamates (DTCs) using a spectrophotometric method. Over 70% of the samples were positive, with DTC present in 46.5%, λ-cyhalothrin in 37.1%, and omethoate in 21.8% of the positive samples. GC-MS/MS confirmed the identities of the compounds detected by GC. None of the pesticides found in kaki, cashew apple and guava was authorised for these crops in Brazil. The risk assessment has shown that the cumulative acute intake of organophosphorus or pyrethroid compounds from the consumption of these fruits is unlikely to pose a health risk to consumers.

Antioxidant activity of co-products from guava, mango and barbados cherry produced in the Brazilian northeast.

Co-products from the juice processing of guava (CG), mango (CM) and barbados cherry (CB) were investigated with a view to their exploitation as a potential source of natural antioxidants. The ethanolic extracts were analyzed for total extractable phenolic content (TEP), DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA-DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antioxidant activity in relation to the ß-carotene/ linoleic acid system. The TEP levels in the CG, CM and CB extracts were (24.15 ± 1.59), (44.18 ± 1.73) and (49.21 ± 3.70) mg GAE/g extract, respectively. The CM extract showed higher DPPH, FRAP and antioxidant activity in the ß-carotene/linoleic acid system. The data revealed a positive linear correlation between TEP, RSA-DPPH and FRAP (r² = 0.85-0.98); however, the ß-carotene/linoleic acid system (r² = 0.01-0.26) shows low correlation with the TEP levels and other assessment systems. The results suggest that co-products generated from the juice processing of the studied fruit have promising use as a natural source of antioxidants.

Evaluation of five protocols for DNA extraction from leaves of Malus sieversii, Vitis vinifera, and Armeniaca vulgaris.

Leaves of Malus sieversii, Vitis vinifera, and Armeniaca vulgaris contain substantial amounts of secondary metabolites, which limit the high-quality DNA extraction performance. In this study, five extraction protocols were compared for their ability to produce good quality DNA from fresh and dried (with silica gel) leaves of these species. The modified protocol of Dellaporta et al., using polyvinylpyrrolidone to bind the phenolic compounds and a high molar concentration of potassium acetate to inhibit co-precipitation of polysaccharides with DNA, produced the best DNA quality for all species tested. DNA extracted by this method had a 1.77-1.96 A260/280 nm ratio and successful amplification of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene. DNA concentrations of dried leaves were lower than those obtained from fresh leaves, which was likely due to aspects of the drying procedure. All five methods for grapevine produced DNA of obvious better quality from green canes compared to leaves, due to the relatively low content of secondary metabolites in the former. For grapevine and apricot, three methods can be equally used to obtain DNA of good quality: the Doyle and Doyle modified method using CTAB and high concentration of NaCl, the Jobes et al. modified method, and the sodium dodecyl sulfate mini preparation method of Edwards et al. The protocol of Jobes et al. using LiCl for RNA removal showed the best results for most of the M. sieversii samples examined.

Polysaccharides from prunes: gastroprotective activity and structural elucidation of bioactive pectins.

Prunes are the dried fruits from Prunus domestica. After the purification steps, two homogeneous polysaccharides were characterised, SF-50R and SF-50E and contained Ara:Gal:Rha:GalA in 47.8:31.5:10.7:10.0 and 39.6:50.3:5.1:5.0 molar ratios, respectively. Methylation analysis and (13)C NMR spectroscopy indicated that both fractions are constituted by rhamnogalacturonans with type I arabinogalactans as side chains, differing mainly in the proportions of the rhamnogalacturonan backbone, in the length of the (1→4)-ß-galactan chain and in the proportion of the arabinan side chain. Crude water extract (PWH) and fraction SF-50E were evaluated for their gastroprotective properties against ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions in rats. Oral administration of PWH (3 and 10mg/kg) reduced the gastric lesion area by 67±11% and 60±12%, respectively, while fraction SF-50E (10 and 30mg/kg) inhibited the lesion area by 84±12% and 83±12%, respectively. These results indicated that prune's polysaccharides act as gastroprotective agents in rats.

Isolation by pressurised fluid extraction (PFE) and identification using CPC and HPLC/ESI/MS of phenolic compounds from Brazilian cherry seeds (Eugenia uniflora L.).

Brazilian cherry seeds are a waste product from juice and frozen pulp production and, the seeds composition was investigated to valorize this by-product. Compounds separation was performed with ethanol by pressurised fluid extraction (PFE). Here we determine the effect of temperature (T), static time (ST), number of cycles (C), and flush volume (VF) on the yield, composition and total phenolic content (TPC) of the seed extracts. T, ST and their interaction positively influenced yield and TPC. Extracts were fractionated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The collected fractions characterizations were made by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) indicated the presence of ellagic acid pentoside and deoxyhexose, quercitrin and kaempferol pentoside. All of these compounds have antioxidant properties and normally are found in plant extracts. These results confirm that Brazilian cherry seed extract is a potentially valuable source of antioxidants.

Evaluation of seasonal antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in stems and leaves of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the seasonal changes of total antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in samples taken from leaves (April, July, October) and stems (April, July, October, January) of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties (Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas). RESULTS: It was indicated that antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in leaves and stems of Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas showed seasonal differences. Antioxidant activity IC50 of these varieties reached the highest value in April for leaves whereas in October for stems. The highest level of total phenolic compounds was in January for stems while in October for leaves. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that total antioxidant activity and phenolics in leaves and stems of almond varieties changed according to season and plant organ.

Comparison of the antibacterial effects of matrica & Persica™ and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes in mechanically ventilated ICU patients: a double blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is one of the risk factors of pneumonia due to ventilation. One of the methods of prevention from accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is the use of oral solutions. Chlorhexidine is considered as the gold standard, but it has various side effects. AIM: Present study was aimed to determine and compare anti-bacterial effects of the chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%, herbal mouthwash of Matrica® (chamomile extracts) 10%, PersicaTM 10% and normal saline in intensive care unit patients. METHODS: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 80 patients who were admitted in ICU divided into four groups of 20 patients each one. Researchers applied PersicaTM to group one, chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash 0.2% to group two and third group received Matrica, finally in the control group, normal saline were used. In order to culturing of Staphylococcus aureus and S. pneumoniae,salivary samples were obtained without any stimulation after six minimums oral rinsing. The data were processed in SPSS17 software and analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Decreased rate of bacterial colonies after intervention in the whole four groups was significant (p < 0.001). The mouth wash of chlorhexidine (p < 0.001), PersicaTM (p: 0.008) and Matrica (p: 0.01) had a significant antibacterial effect on S. aureus and S. pneumoniae(p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Herbal oral mouthwash of persica and matrica has the effect on S. pneumoniae and S. aureus of oropharynx area in mechanically ventilated patients. However, there is a need for further research to be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine for prevention of VALP in ICU patients.

Nutraceutical value of black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. fruits: antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

In Mexico black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) fruits are consumed fresh, dried or prepared in jam. Considering the evidence that has linked intake of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols to cardiovascular risk reduction, the aim of this study was to characterize the phenolic profile of black cherry fruits and to determine their antioxidant, vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects. The proximate composition and mineral contents of these fruits were also assessed. Black cherry fruits possess a high content of phenolic compounds and display a significant antioxidant capacity. High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis indicated that hyperoside, anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid were the main phenolic compounds found in these fruits. The black cherry aqueous extract elicited a concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic rings and induced a significant reduction on systolic blood pressure in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats after four weeks of treatment. Proximate analysis showed that black cherry fruits have high sugar, protein, and potassium contents. The results derived from this study indicate that black cherry fruits contain phenolic compounds which elicit significant antioxidant and antihypertensive effects. These findings suggest that these fruits might be considered as functional foods useful for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of host plant chemistry on genetic differentiation and reduction of gene flow among Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations exploiting sympatric, synchronic hosts.

Herbivore host specialization includes changes in behavior, driven by locally induced adaptations to specific plants. These adaptations often result in sexual isolation that can be gauged through detection of reduced gene flow between host associated populations. Hypothetically, reduced gene flow can be mediated both by differential response to specific plant kairomones and by the influence of larval diet on some adult traits such as pheromone composition. These hypotheses could serve as a model to explain rapid radiation of phytophagous tephritid fruit flies, a group that includes several complexes of cryptic species. The South American Fruit Fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is a complex of at least seven cryptic species among which pheromone mediated sexual isolation resulted in rapid differentiation. Cryptic species also exhibit differences in host affiliation. In search of a model explaining rapid radiation in this group, we studied host plant chemical composition and genetic structure of three host associated sympatric populations of A. fraterculus. Chemical composition among host plant fruit varied widely both for nutrient and potentially toxic secondary metabolite content. Adaptation to plant chemistry appears to have produced population differentiation. We found host mediated differentiation to be stronger between populations exploiting sympatric synchronic hosts differing in chemical composition, than between populations that exploit hosts that fruit in succession. Gene flow among such host associated populations was extremely low. We propose as a working hypothesis for future research, that for those differences to persist over time, isolating mechanisms such as male produced sex pheromones and female preferences resulting from adaptation to different larval diets should evolve.

Comparación de los efectos antibacterianos de aseos bucales con matrica, Persica® y gluconato de clorhexidina en pacientes de UCI con ventilación mecánica: ensayo clínico doble ciego y aleatorio / Comparison of the antibacterial effects of matrica & PersicaTM and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes in mechanically ventilated ICU patients: a double blind randomized clinical trial

Background:Accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is one of the risk factors of pneumonia due to ventilation. One of the methods of prevention from accumulation of bacteria in the pharynx is the use of oral solutions. Chlorhexidine is considered as the gold standard, but it has various side effects. Aim:Present study was aimed to determine and compare anti-bacterial effects of the chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%, herbal mouthwash of Matrica® (chamomile extracts) 10%, PersicaTM 10% and normal saline in intensive care unit patients. Methods:In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 80 patients who were admitted in ICU divided into four groups of 20 patients each one. Researchers applied PersicaTM to group one, chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash 0.2% to group two and third group received Matrica, finally in the control group, normal saline were used. In order to culturing of Staphylococcus aureusand S. pneumoniae,salivary samples were obtained without any stimulation after six minimums oral rinsing. The data were processed in SPSS17 software and analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Results:Decreased rate of bacterial colonies after intervention in the whole four groups was significant (p < 0.001). The mouth wash of chlorhexidine (p < 0.001), PersicaTM (p: 0.008) and Matrica (p: 0.01) had a significant antibacterial effect on S. aureusand S. pneumoniae(p < 0.001). Conclusion:Herbal oral mouthwash of persica and matrica has the effect on S. pneumoniae and S. aureusof oropharynx area in mechanically ventilated patients. However, there is a need for further research to be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine for prevention of VALP in ICU patients.

Introducción:La presencia y acumulación de bacterias en la cavidad oral es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica. Uno de los métodos para prevenir esta acumulación en la faringe es el uso de soluciones orales. Al respecto, clorhexidina es considerada el estándar de oro, pero tiene varios efectos colaterales. Objetivo:Determinar y comparar el efecto antibacteriano de gluconato de chorhexidina al 0,2%, aseo bucal con preparado en base a hierba matrica (extracto de chamomile) al 10%, Persica® al 10% y solución salina fisiológica (NaCl 9%0) en pacientes de la unidad de cuidados intensivos ingresados para ventilación mecánica. Métodos:Ensayo doble ciego, randomizado, sobre 80 pacientes ingresados en UCI, divididos en cuatro grupos de 20 miembros cada uno. El grupo I recibió Persica®, el grupo II aseo bucal con gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,2%, el grupo III recibió matrica y, finalmente, el grupo IV-control recibió solución salina fisiológica. Con la finalidad de cultivar Staphylococcus aureus yS. pneumoniae,se obtuvieron muestras de saliva sin efectuar estímulo alguno tras un mínimo de seis lavados bucales. Los datos fueron procesados en el software SPSS17 y analizados por tests estadísticos apropiados. Resultados:La disminución en el recuento de colonias bacterianas, después de la intervención, fue significativa en los cuatro grupos (p < 0,001). El aseo bucal con clorhexidina (p < 0,001), Persica® (p: 0,008) y matrica (p: 0,01) tuvo un significativo efecto antibacteriano sobre las especies S. aureusy S. pneumoniae(p < 0,001). Conclusión:El aseo bucal con solución en base a hierbas de Persica® y matrica tiene un efecto sobre S. pneumoniae y S. aureusde la cavidad oral en pacientes en régimen de ventilación mecánica. No obstante, se requiere de mayores estudios para considerarlo una alternativa a clorhexidina para la prevención de neumonías en pacientes de UCI.